NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam

The association of Social Learning theory with Bandura is rooted in his foundational contributions to understanding how individuals learn through observation and imitation of others. This theory emphasizes that learning occurs not only through direct experience but also through watching and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. Bandura introduced key concepts such as observational learning, where individuals acquire new behaviors by observing role models, and the importance of self-efficacy, which refers to the belief in one’s capability to execute behaviors necessary for producing specific performance attainments. In contrast to other theorists mentioned, such as Vygotsky, Skinner, and Piaget, Bandura's approach focuses less on intrinsic cognitive development or behavioral conditioning and more on the social context of learning. Vygotsky is known for his social development theory, emphasizing the role of social interaction in cognitive development, while Skinner is renowned for his operant conditioning model, which centers on reinforcement and punishment. Piaget's theory is primarily concerned with the stages of cognitive development in children. Each theorist offers valuable insights, but Bandura specifically defined the Social Learning theory, making him the correct answer for this question.